Citation

Bledsoe BE. EMS Mag. 2007; 36(8): 68, 70, 72 passim.

Affiliation

George Washington University Medical Center, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Cygnus Business Media)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

17784714

Abstract

Fire ants and AHBs are aggressive social insects that readily attack when they perceive a threat. Rarely, each can cause fatal allergic reactions. However, AHBs can overwhelm and kill even healthy, nonallergic people. Such encounters are relatively rare, yet increasing in frequency. As a rule, fire ants can't overwhelm a healthy, mobile person, and even hundreds of stings are rarely fatal. AHBs, however, pose a greater threat to EMS and fire personnel when encountered. Every EMS agency in areas where AHBs are located (or predicted to migrate) should develop protocols for AHB attacks. Such a response should assure adequate personnel and, above all, rescuer safety. The protocol should be periodically practiced and reviewed.

Language: en